A new president

And now the weight of the country sits upon your shoulders. Alone. Both your mother and father died long ago. Your grandmother died earlier in the week. It's odd that an entire country gives their support and elects you their leader, yet you can still feel so alone.

As election results become clearer reality sinks in. You will be the next president of the United States. The weight pressing down is different from that felt by most that have preceded you.... You've not just been elected as a leader - you're more. You've become the embodiment of America's hopes, dreams and aspirations. You no longer own your own identity - but in the election process have become an Idea - an idea not unlike America itself, representing expectations of America and even the world itself. You have become a little bit of the better parts of each of us and have become a symbol of what America can be.

It's an impossible standard, but I'm pleased you'll have the opportunity.

Congratulations president-elect Barack Obama.